Accident Summary
A pilot performing a maintenance test flight aborted the takeoff when the elevator control would not move sufficiently aft to rotate the airplane. The aircraft departed the end of the runway and came to rest on an airport access road. The left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing was bent.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that before the flight, a control system check was conducted and the controls operated normally. On takeoff, when rotation speed was reached, the pilot applied elevator control but could not move it far enough aft to achieve rotation. The takeoff was aborted.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the airplane after the accident showed that the elevator control operated normally. Further inspection revealed that a plastic elbow fitting for the windshield defroster duct was loose and could be rotated into a position that obstructed the full motion of the control yoke. The elbow was not an approved part and appeared to be the type found in home supply stores. The recent maintenance performed was not in the area where the plastic elbow was located.